
Sorriso is located at 3518 Connecticut Ave, NW in Cleveland Park. I’m curious what you guys think in general – but I’m particularly curious what you think about the pizza? You can see their menu here. Any fans?

Sorriso is located at 3518 Connecticut Ave, NW in Cleveland Park. I’m curious what you guys think in general – but I’m particularly curious what you think about the pizza? You can see their menu here. Any fans?

A very very good source tells me that Luke’s Lobster Shack is coming to Penn Quarter (and build out has already begun) at 622 E St, NW (near the Starbucks and Tangy Sweet on 7th St, NW). Luke’s currently has 4 locations in New York City and this will be their first outpost in DC. Their Web site says:
It doesn’t take a master chef to make a great lobster roll; it takes great lobster. Luke Holden knows where to get the best stuff around . . .
Holden, 26, was born and raised in Cape Elizabeth, a small town on the coast of Maine. He grew up lobstering, built his own skiff, and launched a lobster company while still in high school. When Luke moved to New York to work in finance, he was dismayed to see lobster rolls—drowning in mayo and diluted with celery—priced anywhere from $20 to $30. So he called his dad Jeff, who owns a seafood processing company in Maine. The father-son duo has built longstanding relationships with lobstermen, which earns them access to Maine’s best catch. They were on to something . . . something big.
On foggy mornings off Vinalhaven, burly lobstermen in bright yellow Grundens haul traps from the open seas, and they’re taken from the dock to Luke’s family seafood business. In just hours, the frisky pinchers are steamed, picked, and individually wrapped before they’re sent south to Luke’s Lobster. Each plastic bag contains a quarter-pound of pure, unadulterated lobster meat from 5 or 6 unlucky lobster claws (yep, it takes that many lobsters for each roll!). The lobster meat is sealed in these air-tight bags to lock in that fresh-from-the-ocean taste and to prevent contamination. Throughout the 315-mile trek from Maine to Manhattan, the lobster meat remains in pristine condition, having last touched Maine air. The result is a deliciously fresh lobster roll that allows you to truly taste Maine at its best. Luke just wouldn’t have it any other way.
So when you walk up to the shingled counter at Luke’s and admire the buoys and traps, remember the lobster tale and remember the lobstermen. And when you walk away, remember the taste of Maine. Although we doubt you’ll ever forget it.
You can see their NYC menus here.
This is going to be huge! I have a 92.7% confidence in this scuttlebutt.
Anyone ever check out one of their New York spots?


Almost a year ago we learned that Zeba Bar and Grill would be coming to 3423 14th St, NW in the lower level beneath Quiet Mind Yoga and It’s Vintage Darling. Recently I’ve been getting a lot of emails inquiring what was happening with the space. I’m happy to say I was able to chat with the owner briefly on Sun. afternoon and he believes the restaurant/bar should be open in about a month.
Final permits and inspections have been scheduled. The space was described to me as a bar with really good food rather than a restaurant that serves drinks. They will serve pizza, burgers, shish kabobs and other bar fare. I peeked my head inside and it looks 99.9% completed. I’ll be updating with more photos and info when the bar is closer to opening.

Bar Rouge is located in Hotel Rouge at 1315 16th Street, NW. Their Web site says:
“Our sexy, chic lounge serves up spirited elixirs, creative American cuisine and specialty dishes perfect for sharing. Sip tasty cocktails created using liquid sensations and mixology. Savor the vine with our extensive wine list that changes monthly. Start with appetizers like crispy shrimp, spicy calamari or hot chicken wings. Our playful dinner menu features sublime sliders, fresh salads, and delectable entrees including pan seared chicken with whole grain mustard sauce, steak frites with grilled onions, grilled salmon with tomato basil puree, and grilled Angus burger on brioche. Indulge in sumptuous desserts like banana crème brulee and strawberry tiramisu. Bar Rouge serves breakfast, dinner and late-night cocktails till one in the morning.”
Any fans?


“Dear PoP,
Have recently relocated to Cleveland Park and checked out Medium Rare on their official opening night on Monday. Loved it! Simple menus, clean interior, great music, insanely attentive staff… more importantly – best steak I’ve had in this city! Can’t wait to hear what you and all your readers think – here’s to a great new addition to the neighborhood!”
Medium Rare is located at 3500 Connecticut Ave, NW. The early word has been 100% positive. While I’m still sad that Yanni’s is now a trivia question – I can’t wait to try this place out given all the positive buzz. Though I’m a little frightened about one small sentence from their Web site: “Line starts forming at 5pm”…
While they’re open for brunch on Sat. and Sun. I hope they one day open for lunch during the week!
Anyone else have an early word?

We took a peek at the Queen Vic’s menu back in Feb. The Queen Vic is located at 1206 H Street NE. You can see their final menu here. They’ll be soft opening with a limited menu tomorrow, Thursday 31st. This past week they’ve been open for drinks and I stopped in to snap some photos.
Anyone check them out yet for drinks?

More photos after the jump. (more…)

The pop up got bricked over and a couple of silhouettes added to the windows. I can’t wait to see the 99 seat summer garden.


Photo by flickr user snapperwolf*
A reader sends in a very succinct query:
“Who has the best nachos?”
A great question for a gloomy Wed. afternoon. Where’s your favorite spot for nachos?

A reader writes:
“Can we judge El Torogoz? My parents are visiting next week and I was trying to figure out restaurant options near the house. I have never been there and I was wondering if this is a good place.”
El Torogoz is located at 4231 9th St NW (just north of Upshur). While it’s been a while – I’ve always enjoyed the food there. As some may mention – occasionally the jukebox plays at a pretty loud volume but other than that I’ve had very pleasant experiences. I remember being surprised at how much I liked the ceviche. Anyone else check out El Torogoz?

Back in early March we learned that:
Lost Society is a “boutique steakhouse, located on the second and third floors of this corner building, will feature a steak centric menu that blends market fresh produce, grass fed local meats, and regional seafood with innovative techniques to create both familiar classics and bold original dishes.
The space features full dining, bar and lounge space, as well as a rooftop deck.”
I’m happy to give a taste of what the space is gonna look like. The entire space including the outdoor area is around 5400 square feet. And let me just straight away that this roof deck is going to be absolutely amazing. And if all goes well, Lost Society hopes to open “sometime in April” and I’ll be sure to update with the menu and exact opening date when it is announced.

The second floor features a huge wrap around bar
Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)